Is there a difference between 3.73 locking rear axle & 4.30?

Ford and GM HD trans ratios are similar to this 6L80E. I agree the a 3/4 ton will weigh a fair amount more, so it may feel slower unloaded.

the ride... the nicer it rides.. the less weight it can handle..

"Ford" offers 3 different front spring rates.. and 4 rear spring rates...

so NOT apples to apples..

the Ford E-locker is Super.. and will automatically unlock at 20 mph.... and its a True Locker... under electronic control.
an electronic solenoid locks and un-lock sliding pins in differential.
and yes.. 3.73 and 4.30 uses same E-Locker.. so just a gear change.
my 2012 has the E-Locker.

My Ford rides like a Truck.. not a car..
but my truck has Tow and Slide-in camper options... so it rides Hard empty.
I lower the air pressure in the tires...when empty.

Melindak,
I was in a situation almost identical to you, Tundra 5.7, 6 speed, pulling over 8,000 lbs. The Tundra pulled the load just fine but I found the ride was very stiff when towing and the Equalizer hitch tightened up to put the weight on the front axle. Not terrible, but very "stiff" feeling. I went with Timbrens and not air bags so your ride might be a bit better than mine. I'd be sitting on the Timbrens when hitched up. I was also pulling a 35 ft trailer. The Tundra pulled it fine, but I felt I needed a heavier truck to control the load better.

I went with the Ram 2500 with the Cummins engine. You certainly don't need that engine as the 5.7 Hemi would be fine for you and actually has a couple more ponies than the Tundra. The thing I like about the Ram 2500 is it has the coil spring rear suspension so when the wife and I are towing, it rides MUCH better than the Tundra did.

My 2500 is also my daily driver so that factored into the decision.

What other said is true; while the Super Duty is a fine truck too, check the other brands.

I'm not brand loyal, this is the first Ram I've ever owned and so far, after 14,000 miles it's been flawless. The fact I could get the Ram for about $10K less than a comparable Ford was a factor too.

I love the Chevy Duramax too, but the Ram turned out to be the best deal financially for me. Good luck in your quest!

BTW, I LOVED THE OLD TUNDRA; BEST TRUCK I EVER OWNED!!

Have you looked at other brands? Look at a Chevy or Ram. They both have really good vehicles and their 3/4 ton trucks ride as well or better than a F250. Contrary to some on this board, I am not brand loyal other than a Ford will never disgrace my driveway again.

Okay guys, my nephew suggested the F150 3.5 EcoBoost V6 axle ratio 3.55 GCWR 17,900 4x2 suppose to tow 12,700. Any thoughts on this? I am looking for the smoothest ride I can get without compromising the towing capacity.

Ford___ Gear____Tundra
3.73_____________ 4.3
14.81____1_______14.32
8.65____2________8.43
5.67____3________5.81
4.29____4________4.30
3.21____5________3.14
2.50____6________2.54



The overall ratio for both trucks is very close in all gears except 1st and 2nd.

The Ford if anything should feel stronger off the line.

It will depend on with engine makes power at the lower rpm and what effect torque management has and tire size if different.

You all have given me great information. Spoon059 you made a very good point. Xtech you brought up something that has been in the back of my mind. To get the 4.3 rear I would have to order the truck.

I test drove the F250 today and it did feel sluggish compared to the Tundra, but the overall ride was about the same. I also noticed the steering in the F250 is a lot stiffer. I am told that was a 2017 change Ford made. Again, thank you all for your input!

What has been said above re comparison of F250 and Tundra I agree with. We pulled a 10000 pound (scaled) 30 ft 5th wheel with a 2011 Tundra. Now pull same 5th wheel with a 2011 F250 6.2 gas with 4.30 rear axle ratio. When I test drove gas F250s I could not believe how lethargic they felt compared to Tundra. Tundra is a race horse, F250 a plough horse. Torque management is very aggressive compared to the Toyota. I am used to it now. It weights 1500 pounds more than my Tundra, gets similar mileage towing, about 3 mpg less not towing on highway and is way rougher unloaded. As someone mentioned above stability towing feel same with both trucks. We towed 5th wheel from Alberta to Arizona two winters and all over mountains of BC in summer and I have been towing for over 40 years. Only modification to Tundra was Timbrens. I would still be towing with it but wanted to be legal as I was 300 to 500 pounds over GVWR. So truck will handle a trailer that size fine if you use a good anti sway hitch. Only question is do you want to be legal.

Tundra with 4.30 axle and 6-spd is very close in each gear to Ford/GM with 6-spd and 3.73. As mentioned, the 3/4 tons will weigh more, so a gas 3/4 ton may feel slightly slower unloaded/non towing. I strongly believe will will notice an increase in stability with 3000 pounds of payload vs. 1300 pounds when towing 8500-ish pounds.

mudfuel07 wrote:
For a side by side comparison, I have both. One as a work truck, the 250, and the other as a personal, the Tundra. Both trucks have the 4.30's in them. Power to power, the Tundra feels stronger and pulls better. Without a WDH on either, the 250 sits lower by about 1.5-2". I have pulled my trailer with both of them and the even though it's a "1/2" ton, the Tundra feels more solid and stable towing.

This isn't surprising. 3 of my last 7 work trucks were a F150 5.0, 2011 and 2 F250 6.2s. All 3.73s. I'd swear to this day the 5.0 would put pull the 6.2s by a bit. Now handling the load is a different story. Big truck wins.